Sydney Observatory night sky map

A map for each month of the year, to help you learn about the night sky

November 2012
www.sydneyobservatory.com.au

This star chart shows the stars and constellations visible in the night sky for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth for November 2012 at about 7.30 pm (Local Standard Time) or 8.30 pm (Local Daylight Savings Time). For Darwin and similar locations, the chart will still apply but some stars will be lost off the southern edge while extra stars will be visible to the north. Stars down to a brightness or magnitude limit of 4.5 are shown. To use this chart, rotate it so that the direction you are facing (north, south, east or west) is shown at the bottom. The centre of the chart represents the point directly above your head, called the zenith, and the outer circular edge represents the horizon.

Mars remains visible in the early evening toward the west. On the 16th, Mars and the crescent Moon are next to each other. The best time to view the Moon using binoculars or a small telescope is a few days either side of the first quarter Moon on the 21st. Crux (the Southern Cross) is located to the south, near the horizon, making it difficult to see.
Sydney Observatory, with a magnificent view overlooking Sydney Harbour, is open 10am to 5pm daily – except closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and open 10am to noon on New Year’s Eve. Open Monday to Saturday for night sessions (times vary depending on the season) for sky viewing through one of our telescopes (cosy planetarium session if cloudy), and 3D movies about the Universe. Bookings are essential for night programs. For more information, see www.sydneyobservatory.com.au or call (02) 9921 3485. Sydney Observatory is at Watson Road, Observatory Hill, in the historic Rocks area of Sydney.